A group of people posing in front of institutional banners in a bright indoor space

Engineering a bright future in Manitoba

UM and RRC Polytech establish a new partnership for students pursuing engineering.

Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes
UM and RRC Polytech come together to celebrate pathway
UM and RRC Polytech come together to celebrate pathway
Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes

A new partnership between the province's largest post-secondary institutions is creating a made-in-Manitoba pathway to earning an engineering degree.

Students graduating from Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) Engineering Technology programs are now eligible for entry directly into an undergraduate program in the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba (UM), creating career options and opportunities for new graduates or industry professionals looking to level up.

This new partnership provides RRC Polytech Engineering Technology graduates the ability to further their education and earn an engineering degree in Manitoba, allowing students to experience the benefits of both programs through an accelerated approach. The agreements build on a partnership announced in spring of 2025, and now includes pathways into all undergraduate engineering programs at UM. 

We’re thrilled to see this partnership with RRC Polytech become a reality. This will mean an easier transition for students, as we work together to develop and keep engineering talent here in Manitoba.

Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM

This opportunity is open to RRC Polytech students graduating this year as well as graduates from the last ten years.

RRC Polytech and UM have a strong relationship, and this articulation agreement creates more opportunities for student mobility between our institutions. Most importantly it keeps talent here in Manitoba to support our industry and economy.

Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech

A recent report from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Canada West Foundation noted that over the past decade there has been more youth (aged 15 to 34) leaving the province than arriving, with one of the key factors being a lack of opportunities for career advancement. RRC Polytech and UM work closely with industry through program advisory councils and regular discussions about bolstering the province’s economy and providing training for the skills of tomorrow.

I’m championing this partnership because I know that individuals who take both programs will elevate their own professional skill level and help companies grow and succeed in a multitude of industries.

Dr. Gerry Price, Chair and CEO of Price Industries

This collaborative approach between the post-secondary institutions leverages existing strengths in research, facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and curriculum with the shared goals of supporting student achievement leading to increased graduate numbers, increasing diversity of students, offering high-quality program delivery, and ensuring research success. Both RRC Polytech and UM strive to meet Manitoba employer needs for a diverse workforce through recruitment of under-represented students into Engineering programs.

It is important for Manitoba’s Polytechnic and Manitoba’s U15 university to be collaborating on education and training opportunities, and we know that the dual credentials are highly valued in industry and support career mobility for the graduates in fields that are important to Manitoba’s economy and growth.

Marcia Friesen, Dean, Price Faculty of Engineering

Manitobans of all backgrounds can access an engineering degree through this partnership and existing pathway programs, including supports for Indigenous students through RRC Polytech and UM’s respective programs, Pathway to Engineering Technology Program and Engineering Access Program (ENGAP). 

This type of cross-institutional agreement will provide clear steps and support for students to adapt seamlessly from classroom to industry.

Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies, RRC Polytech

Learn about these agreements and academic requirements through the Articulation agreements website. 

Boilerplate: Reimagining engagement

At UM, we collaborate with communities, forge partnerships locally and globally, and invite all to our campuses. Reimagining engagement is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.

By

Price Faculty of Engineering Communications